Semin Musculoskelet Radiol 2020; 24(06): 726-750
DOI: 10.1055/s-0040-1719018
Review Article

Detection and Characterization of Musculoskeletal Cancer Using Whole-Body Magnetic Resonance Imaging

1   School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, United Kingdom
2   Guy's & St Thomas' Hospitals, London, United Kingdom
,
Frederic Lecouvet
3   Department of Radiology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
,
1   School of Biomedical Engineering & Imaging Sciences, Kings College London, United Kingdom
4   Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
,
Laura Fayad
5   The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, John's Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Vasiliki Pasoglou
3   Department of Radiology, Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Cliniques Universitaires Saint Luc, Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Brussels, Belgium
,
Olympia Papakonstantinou
6   2nd Department of Radiology, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, “Attikon” Hospital, Athens, Greece
,
Shivani Ahlawat
5   The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, John's Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
,
Christina Messiou
7   The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, United Kingdom
8   The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
,
Marc-André Weber
9   Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, Paediatric Radiology and Neuroradiology, University Medical Centre Rostock, Rostock, Germany
,
Anwar R. Padhani
8   The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
10   Paul Strickland Scanner Centre, Mount Vernon Cancer Centre, Northwood, Middlesex, United Kingdom
› Author Affiliations
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Abstract

Whole-body magnetic resonance imaging (WB-MRI) is gradually being integrated into clinical pathways for the detection, characterization, and staging of malignant tumors including those arising in the musculoskeletal (MSK) system. Although further developments and research are needed, it is now recognized that WB-MRI enables reliable, sensitive, and specific detection and quantification of disease burden, with clinical applications for a variety of disease types and a particular application for skeletal involvement. Advances in imaging techniques now allow the reliable incorporation of WB-MRI into clinical pathways, and guidelines recommending its use are emerging. This review assesses the benefits, clinical applications, limitations, and future capabilities of WB-MRI in the context of other next-generation imaging modalities, as a qualitative and quantitative tool for the detection and characterization of skeletal and soft tissue MSK malignancies.



Publication History

Article published online:
11 December 2020

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